ARTICLE:

• EMULSION PROBLEMS IN LIQUID-LIQUID SEPARATION UNITS OF CHEMICAL PROCESSES  download article

Dr. M. Holzbecher
BASF Aktiengesellschaft, Abt.ZET/FD-L540, 67056 Ludwigshafen, Germany

F. Sauer
BASF Aktiengesellschaft, Abt.ZET/FD-L540, 67056 Ludwigshafen, Germany

Dr. P. Deckert
BASF Aktiengesellschaft, Abt.ZET/FD-L540, 67056 Ludwigshafen, Germany

ABSTRACT

This paper will give an overlook about the procedure dealing with emulsion problems in chemical process separation units. It starts with identifying the emulsion type and the stabilization mechanisms. Then it leads to the avoidance of emulsification and if this is not possible to several demulsification problems. In chemical industry we use all common methods like temperature, change of pH, mechanical methods, adsorption, chemical demulsification and electrical fields. Inspite of the success of this methods is more an empirical way to find an adequate solution than knowledge about the relation Between cause and phenomena. Finally, two examples from our daily work are given.

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